"I think a lot of people are concerned about Charlie and my concern is obviously…what becomes difficult is things become so public," Richards told Access Hollywood on Wednesday. "I try my best to keep that quiet from our daughters because, you know, this is something I've never dealt with in my life until this situation."

According to Richards, it hasn't been easy shielding Lola, 5, and Sam, 6, from their father's frequent binges.

"The last two years, Charlie and I have been in such a much better place and it makes it so much easier for our daughters," she said. "When we went to New York, that was our intention -- to have a nice time with the girls. I thought it was great that we could all travel together and go out to dinner and do things even though we're not together anymore."

"The events that took place after that, you know, it was...difficult."